Production — page 176

Frozen, sexed embryos A four-year project that established an in vitro fertilization laboratory at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, has broken new ground in animal breeding. With support from the Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund, the laboratory wanted to develop a practical and competitive embryo production system to encourage the export of […] Read more

Grain cleaner Lightfoot Manufacturing, Inc. has introduced a larger grain cleaner. The 7254 model has 108 sq. feet of screen cleaning capacity. It can process 1,200 bushels an hour to market quality or 600 bushels an hour for seed quality. Using the proper screen, the unit will handle all commodities including small grains, legumes and […] Read more

Peas for seed Producers considering keeping some of their pea harvest for seeding next year should take special care in preparing them, said Beata Lees, special crops specialist with Alberta Agriculture. “The first thing is to handle peas early,” Lees said. “First time growers often cause trouble for themselves at this point. Don’t wait for […] Read more

New tractors Caterpillar has introduced two new tracked tractors featuring larger engines designed for better response and reduced gear shifting. The Challenger 75D replaces the 74C. It has a 10.3 litre, four-stroke, in-line six cylinder, turbocharged diesel engine. It produces 330 horsepower, five more than the 75C. The new engine increases torque more quickly, reducing […] Read more

Bean harvest losses Three researchers at the University of Saskatchewan have developed combine attachments and reel modifications that promise improved bean harvesting. “Typically, there was a 50 percent loss of the bean crop when harvesting with a regular combine. This was caused by the cutter bar cutting off the bottom of the pods. It also […] Read more

Chemical control of hair grass Rough hair grass is a perennial bent grass commonly found in meadows, open woods and waste places throughout the prairie provinces. It is not a major problem but has been a concern of alfalfa producers in northwestern Saskatchewan. There are no chemicals registered for its control in alfalfa. Roy Button, […] Read more

New tractor series Belarus Equipment of Canada Ltd. has introduced a new series of tractors for the Canadian market. The 5300 series has four models: 5360, 65 p.t.o./hp; 5370, 74 p.t.o./hp; 5380, 85 p.t.o./hp; and model 5390 with 93 p.t.o./hp. Refinements include a front wheel assist system for improved traction control; repositioned rear remote hookup; […] Read more

Portable welder-generator Miller Electric Manufacturing has introduced a portable welder-generator that can fit in the trunk of a car. The Blue Fire 180 has a DC Stick/AC power system designed for field arc welding and power generation. It provides 155 amps of power and 3,500 watts of auxiliary power. It weighs about 100 kilograms. The […] Read more

Winterizing stock waterers Winter is coming and it’s time to inspect stock waterers. Ken Williamson, agriculture engineering technologist with Alberta Agriculture, says a study by the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute shows waterers can cost from $24 to $100 a year to operate. When doing a fall inspection, remember to check the following: Many older waterers […] Read more

Repairman comfort Equipment repair may become a bit more comfortable with the arrival of Agri Creeper, a platform designed for access beneath farm equipment. Units are built from 14-gauge steel, using grease-resistant upholstery and a tilting backrest. The creeper has four heavy duty casters that allow clearance and manoeuverability. It comes in two colors: Red […] Read more